Around the camps: Nats' Zimmerman gets 6-year extension

Chris Perez couldn't finish his first bullpen session Sunday without trouble. Now he has to save opening day.

The All-Star closer will miss at least one month and possibly six weeks with a strained left side muscle he injured throwing off the mound for the first time.

minnesota twins

Reliever Joel Zumaya has a torn ligament in his right elbow and will miss the season, the latest setback for the hard thrower who has been plagued by injuries since 2006.

Zumaya had signed an incentive-laden, one-year deal with the Twins, who hoped he could bolster their bullpen with his 100 mph heat.

texas rangers

When it comes to the Texas Rangers, star Josh Hamilton wants to make this clear: "My loyalty is here."

A couple of days after his comments led some to wonder about his future, the former AL MVP clarified his remarks before the first full-squad workout for the two-time American League champions. Hamilton is eligible for free agency after this season.

"If it does go to free agency, the first place I'm coming is here," Hamilton said. "If I owe anything, it is that."

washington nats

Ever since he became the Nationals' first draft pick, Ryan Zimmerman, 27, wanted to stay with the club for the long haul.

Now he'll get that wish.

The Nationals took what they hope is another step toward consistent contention by locking up their third baseman - and the guy many call the face of the franchise - through 2019, adding six years to Zimmerman's existing contract. The deal has a no-trade clause.

The extra six seasons are worth $100 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.

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